Firms welcome college’s £500,000 investment in new machinery
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Dodsworth, Head of Faculty (Automotive, Construction and Engineering) at East Riding College
By Simon Bristow
A £500,000 investment by East Riding College in manufacturing and engineering machinery to upskill local workforces has been welcomed by some of the region’s largest firms.
The Beverley-based college, which is part of the TEC Partnership group of education providers, has purchased four pieces of specialist equipment that will help businesses train their employees in the latest production technology, boosting both workers’ skills and business efficiency.
The new machinery was demonstrated to representatives from companies including JR Rix and Sons, Atlas Leisure Homes and Cranswick plc at a recent breakfast event.
At the event the college also launched its offer of bespoke courses tailored to the needs of individual businesses, whether they are seeking to train apprentices or upskill more experienced workers in the use of the new equipment.
Among the business attendees was Andy Harris, director of Brough-based Dearing Plastics, which designs and manufactures plastic products and components for markets in the UK and abroad. He said: “We pride ourselves on high levels of customer satisfaction, which relies on a combination of first-class service, fast and effective production equipment and – most importantly – professional, fully-trained staff with technical expertise and practical know-how.
“The investment East Riding College has made in its new equipment, and the flexibility of the packages to train local workers in using them, will be of great benefit to local manufacturing and production businesses.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how we can work together to maintain and enhance the skills of the team at Dearing Plastics.”
Chris Dodsworth, East Riding College’s Head of Faculty (Automotive, Construction and Engineering), said: “We were delighted to welcome businesses to our event and showcase not just our new equipment but also the breadth of training options we can offer them.
“The businesses that attended are already successful and clearly committed to ensuring their employees have the skills they need to fuel their future growth.
“Our investment in the new machinery and learning packages will enable us to support them in their growth ambitions by upskilling their current workforce and building the skills of the next generation of workers.”
The new equipment – a six-axis measuring machine, metallurgy testing machine, robotic arm programming machine and 360- degree camera research kit – is typically used in engineering and manufacturing, including toolmaking and fabrication.
To find out more businesses can contact East Riding College on 01262 455037 or visit www.ercforbusiness.co.uk.